A swimming pool is the best place to be all summer, but like every good thing, it needs regular upkeep. When you are relaxing in the water, cleaning is the last thing on your mind, and that is exactly how it should be.
Keeping your pool sparkling is easier than you might think. Every pool is different, and so are its needs, but they all have one thing in common: routine care is what keeps a pool healthy. If you would rather not do it yourself, our weekly pool cleaning service takes care of it for you.
Whether you hire a pool service or do the work yourself, a few simple habits keep your pool in good shape for years.
How to Do Your Own Pool Maintenance
Even if you do not have regular pool service, simple daily and weekly upkeep keeps your pool looking beautiful for longer. Follow these steps and your pool will be ready for every party this summer.
Open the Pool for Summer
A pool that was closed properly is quick to reopen. Clean the area around the pool before you take the cover off, and sweep debris away so it does not fall in. Remove and clean the cover, then top up the water with a garden hose. Reconnect the pump, filter and anything else that was disconnected, open the skimmer valves and start the pump. Test the water, balance it and shock the pool. See our pool opening service if you would rather we handle it.
Run the pump around the clock until the water is clear and balanced, then reduce the run time gradually. Once chlorine and pH are back in range, the pool is usually ready to swim in, often within a day or two.
Skim the Surface for Debris
Skimming every few days is one of the quickest, easiest ways to keep your pool clean. If you leave floating debris too long, it sinks and becomes harder to remove. A hand skimmer or leaf net removes leaves, bugs and other debris. Regular skimming also helps circulation and means your chlorine goes further. At least once a week, remove and empty the skimmer and pump baskets. A quick spray with a hose loosens anything stuck inside.
Add Chlorine
Over time, sweat, sunscreen and other organic matter build up in the water. When chlorine reacts with them, it forms chloramines, which cause the strong “chlorine” smell people associate with pools. To get rid of them, the pool needs to be super-chlorinated, or shocked. It sounds backwards, but adding more chlorine removes the smell.
Some pools need shocking once a week, others less often. Follow the directions on the shock product for your pool size for the best results.
Check the pH Level
Test your water regularly to make sure it is safe and healthy. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14 and measures how acidic or alkaline the water is. A pH between 7.2 and 7.8 is comfortable for swimmers and lets chlorine work properly.
Use a test kit to check pH. Most home kits are either reagent kits or test strips. With a reagent kit, you take a water sample and add drops or tablets, and the sample changes color. Test strips change color when you dip them in the water for a few seconds.
Compare the color to the chart to read your pH. That tells you which chemicals your pool needs and how much. Or let our pool water balancing team or a pool inspection take care of it for you.
Clean the Filter
Think about everything your pool filter catches every day. A clean filter makes every other part of pool care easier.
Check the pressure gauge regularly and clean or backwash the filter when it reads 8 to 10 PSI above its normal clean reading. Cartridges can be rinsed thoroughly with a hose. Or book our filter cleaning service.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you know how to maintain your pool, you can keep it sparkling for everyone to enjoy. When you want a hand, call the experts at Clear Tec Pools. We are happy to share tips on keeping your pool in top shape, or to take the work off your hands completely.
Need help with your pool in Hoschton or nearby? Call Clear Tec Pools at 678-679-0165 or book online.